Q: What is a Hybrid TV Service?

A: Traditionally, you've had to choose between the solid interface and performance of a set top box-based service like cable or satellite, or less expensive but not as polished "cord cutting" options.  Core TV™ is a NOT a cord cutting or “streaming only” plan…it is a hybrid television service.  This means you have the freedom to choose whether you rent set top boxes from the cable company, or upgrade to smart TVs, or use streaming devices like Roku…in any combination you wish.  Typically, “cutting the cord” doesn’t offer you this flexibility.  You can mix and match these options to your liking, and have exactly what you need in place for your property.

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Q: Why do you say “200+ Channels, 100+ Unique” instead of just a number of channels?
A: Most TV content is provided in multiple formats.  Some signals are sent in standard definition, some are high definition, and in the future many will be 4K.  Different platforms deliver the content differently, so we strive to support all of their methods.  Traditional set top boxes actually deliver a separate SD and HD version of most channels on different channel numbers.  Roku devices mimic this, but output in HD only.  However, Samsung Smart TVs filter out the duplicates, delivering only the highest available quality version of each channel (the 100+ total).  Since we do not know which method you may use, we give both the actual total number being delivered, and the actual number of unique, non-duplicated channels.  Spectrum reserves the right to change the channel lineup at any time.  A current copy can be found HERE.

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Q: Are you a division of the local Cable Company?
A: No. We pay for access to their network, but we are not affiliated with them in any way.  We work for YOU, not them.

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Q: Do you offer partial year services?
A: No. Our products are priced to assume your property has a busy time for 6-7 months out of the year, and a much less busy time for 5-6 months out of the year.  This is why we offer services for far less than the normal retail price in our market (Retail 400/20 Internet access is typically $99.99/month, TV services like Hulu are $65.00-$70.00 per month, and a phone company line costs $45.00 per month).  It is much easier to just sell them annually, not require you to cut them off and back on, and discount you to make it all work easier.  We could charge more in the summer and less in the winter to create that appearance, but chose to instead be consistent.  Compared annually, we match or beat most other services that require you to deal with a lot of hassle cutting them on and off to try to save money. 

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Q: Can I just get a single bill from you for my services (Internet, TV, and Phone)?
A: Yes.  If you choose a 2 or 3-service bundle, elect to not add any additional Spectrum TV packages to it, and use smart TVs and streaming boxes (no STBs), you will only get a bill from us.  If you choose to rent set top boxes from Spectrum, or add extra channel packages like Select, Silver, Gold, etc. to our lineup, then you will receive a separate monthly bill from Spectrum for those products and services.  You will continue to receive our normal billing for your Core services according to your normal billing cycle with us (Quarterly or Annually).

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Q: I currently use Spectrum Residential TV.  How do I switch to you?
A: Simply fill out the registration form on this site with your service details, and include your Spectrum Residential Account number in the notes of the form.  We will submit the request on your behalf and have the account converted with all its existing equipment.  Once Spectrum finishes converting your account, you can turn in the boxes you no longer wish to use and install any streaming options you need.  You will start out on our Core TV channel lineup.  If you want to add channels, we advise doing so after the conversion is complete.  There is a special toll free number to call that leads to a group familiar with this program that can help you add any options Spectrum currently offers to our clients.

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Q: I currently use a different pay TV or streaming service.  How do I switch to you?
A: Simply fill out the registration form on this site with your service details, and include the name of your current streaming provider in the notes of the form.  We will submit the request on your behalf and have the account created for use with our system  Once Spectrum finishes creating your account, we will schedule the installation of your services.  After our installation, you can safely discontinue the service from your former streaming provider.  You then download and install the Spectrum TV App on your devices, and you will have our Core TV channel lineup.  If you want to add channels, we advise doing so after the conversion is complete.  There is a special toll free number to call that leads to a group familiar with this program that can help you add any options Spectrum currently offers to our clients.

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Q: Is there a limit to the number of TVs I can have?
A: A single account with us can have up to 11 streaming devices and 12 set top boxes at a time.  If you need more than this, you may have to purchase 2 accounts.  We do have clients with as many as 26 TVs using us, and they use 2 accounts with 22 streaming TVs and 4 STBs to maximize savings.  Feel free to reach out to us with your specific case and we can review your options and formulate your best plan. 

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Q: Do you charge a fee per TV for access?
A: No.  As long as you stay within the limits described above, there are no per-TV fees associated with our TV service.  The monthly fee we advertise is the same for 1 TV or 10 TVs.

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Q: If I buy your TV product for my rental property, can I get the same channels back home using this account?
A: No.  All devices that receive our TV product must have the signal pass through the modem at your property.  If you try to leverage this account to get free TV back home, you will get a few channels but nowhere near the entire lineup.  The product was not intended to be used this way, and we do not warranty or support any usage that does not pass through the modem installed in your property.

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Q: I currently use Spectrum.  How do I get rid of my set top boxes?
A: There are 2 primary ways to eliminate those boxes:

Upgrade some or all of your TVs

The simplest way is to upgrade the TVs in your property to smart TVs with a system like Roku built in.  This provides a single remote control for everything, and is the simplest, cleanest installation.  We recommend the TCL and RCA brands for this purpose, as we have used them with much success.  Samsung Smart TVs are another great choice.  Simply install the app on the new TV, and turn in the former set top box.

Replace set top boxes with Roku units

For TV’s that do not get upgraded, you can add a Roku Express 4K+ unit for standard MSRP ($39.99 + tax) to any TV with an HDMI input available.  They are available at every major electronics retailer, and we have them available as well.  If you have Ethernet wiring available or just want the premium experience, Roku Ultra 4800R for standard MSRP ($99.99 + tax) provides the fastest, smoothest interface whether wired or wireless.  Simply install the app on the new Roku, and turn in the former set top box.  We do not recommend the "Stick" versions of any streaming product, as their performance may be lacking your expectations.  We have tested and approved the models listed above to perform well.

Mixing these two techniques yields the best results, as you have a single interface for every TV regardless of brand, and can rotate in new TVs as you see fit.

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Q: How do I set up a new Roku for use with Core TV™ Service?
A: The steps are below:

    Part 1: Use an existing Roku account, or create a new one for your property

If you already use Roku elsewhere, it might still be a good idea to set up a separate account for each property you own.  All you need is a valid email to do this, and services like Gmail are free and can be auto forwarded to your normal email address to keep it all in one place.  When setting this up, do not list a credit card with Roku (it is possible to skip that step, and we recommend this).  That way, your guests will be unable to charge anything on the account.  We also recommend you do not PIN protect the account, as the former step we suggested negates the need to add a PIN.  This makes installing additional apps easier in the future.  For ease of use, this is the ideal setup.

    2) Setup the Roku Devices

Roku includes all the parts you need to complete the installation in their box.  Here's 3 easy steps to get streaming:

1) Start by connecting the HDMI cable from the Roku to the TV, plug in the power, and put the batteries in the remote.  Power on the TV, and make sure it is viewing the proper input.  You should see the Roku welcome screen.  If not, check to be sure the input on your TV matches the HDMI port in use with your Roku.  Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language, pair your remote, and set up the functions of it to work with your TV (volume, power and mute).

2) Connect to your property's wireless network, and enter the email address you gave Roku when you opened their account. You'll need to receive an email from Roku with an activation link for this device.  Click on the link, name your device (ex: Top Floor Master Bedroom), and it will download the latest software and reboot itself. 

3) Download the Spectrum TV App, accept their agreement, and your channels will start streaming.  Your Core TV™ product is setup and ready.
PLEASE NOTE: If you subscribe to additional channel packages from Spectrum above our Core lineup, you must log in with your Spectrum.net credentials to receive those channels.  Simply log out of the Spectrum App, then log in with those credentials.  This will replace the Core TV lineup with all of your subscribed channels together in one lineup.

Repeat this process on your other Roku devices.  Roku adds the Spectrum App to future devices on this account as part of the initial download, so you'll only need to accept the agreement to start streaming. 

It is a good idea to rearrange the tiles on the Roku home screen to place the Spectrum App in the top left position of the home screen.  Press the '*' key on the Roku remote, choose "Move Channel", and use the remote to move Spectrum up into the first position.  You may also want to add any additional streaming services you plan to offer (Netflix, Disney+, or the free ones like Pluto TV, etc.). 

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Q: Do I have to upgrade my wireless networking option to use this service?
A: It depends. The more TVs you plan to stream wirelessly, the more likely that upgrading is needed.  We recommend either 802.11ac Wave 2 (newer WiFi 5 equipment), or 802.11ax (WiFi 6) equipment for best results, and prefer mesh setups when that number grows to more than 4-5 wireless TVs.  The reasoning is simple:  Streaming content needs uninterrupted attention from your wireless equipment to keep from buffering.  Newer wireless equipment utilizes multiple simultaneous radio streams instead of a single stream.  With multiple streams, the equipment can devote some of them to these TVs while still having capacity left for regular web browsing devices, thermostats, etc. without degrading the experience.  When the number of needed streams grows, mesh systems really shine (since each one puts out multiple streams, doubling or tripling the number of available streams to hold the load).  You also want to look at total capacity, not just the marketing buzzwords on the latest technology.  An 802.11ac Wave 2 router capable of 3000mbps will outperform an 802.11ax Router that only puts out 1500Mbps.  Just because the latter is the "newer" technology doesn't mean it's a better choice for your application.  We are networking experts, and we can help you find the right products to maximize your performance without overspending.  WiFi 6 is not always better than WiFi 5...it often costs more and performs less than a higher rated WiFi 5 device.  Many client devices don't even support the WiFi 6 standard yet.

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Q: I want to eliminate my set top boxes, but can't make it to my property to convert it.  Can you do it for me?
A: Yes.  We offer a set top box removal and return service for a one time fee of $100.00 plus tax.  We will go to your property, collect up all the set top boxes there, and deliver your former set top boxes back to Spectrum for you.  If you need us to set up replacement devices such as Rokus, we offer Roku Express 4K+ units ($39.99 MSRP each plus tax) or Roku Ultra Units ($99.99 MSRP each plus tax) and charge a $50.00 setup fee to get them all programmed and working.  You can also purchase your own units/TVs/Rokus and we will still assist in setting them up for that same $50 fee.  We will need to be in touch with you during this conversion, as each Roku we set up requires you to receive an email.  The process is easy, and we will walk you through it.  You do not need to be present to complete this...we can handle none, some, or all of the conversion quickly and easily for you based on your level of need.

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